Important! Security Threats

The Threat - Malware

You are probably familiar with the term Malware, which is short for malicious software. Malware is a computer program designed to infect your computer with the intent of disrupting or denying computer operations or, more seriously, to gather personal information such as names, social security numbers and credit card numbers. 


There is a malware program being spread through the Internet that is designed to capture credit card numbers entered into an Internet browser.  If your computer becomes infected, when you enter a 16 digit number beginning with a 3 (AMEX), 4 (Visa), 5 (MasterCard) or 6 (Discover), the malware program will pop-up a legitimate-looking message box indicating that the account number must be validated. If you click OK or Validate, the program sends the credit card number and other information to a malicious site, usually overseas, that will then compromise your patient's credit card account.


Malware is generally introduced onto your computer through spam email, social networking sites or by browsing sites with malicious intent but disguised to appear legitimate.

What To Do

 Please take the following actions:

• Inform your staff of this threat and tell them that OrthoBanc has not changed its prompts for account number entry. We do not ask you to validate numbers through a pop-up message though we do inform you if a number entered is invalid.
• If you receive such a pop-up message, cancel out of the window, close your browser, and immediately run a virus and malware scan of your computer.
• If you learn that your computer has been infected, please contact us so that we may document what happened. If your scan reveals the name of the malware program, we would like to know which malware infected your computer.

How To Avoid Malware

• Be certain that your antivirus and anti-spyware software is installed and up-to-date. Many computers have antivirus software installed that has long since expired and is no longer up-to-date. That is not protection!
• Make certain that your antivirus software is setup to scan your computer for viruses and malware at least once per week.
• Be sure that your antivirus software checks for malware. If not, you need to update your software to a better version.
• Check to see that your computer is setup to download and install operating system updates (Windows, Mac OS). Keeping your computer up-to-date is essential to avoiding and preventing such threats.
• Always use the most current browser version. Approximately 20% of OrthoBanc users still access our site with old browser versions.
• Limit your browsing on office computers to business use only. Many viruses and malware programs are distributed through social networking sites such as FaceBook,  Twitter, music sharing sites, etc.
• If you are prompted to install a program and you were not trying to install software, cancel the install or verify what is happening before clicking OK or Next.
• Don't believe the myth that using a Mac means you can't be infected with a virus or malware. It just is not true.

Working Together

We spend tens of thousands of dollars each year to protect the sensitive information you entrust to our care. If you take the steps outlined above, together we can safeguard your patient's information and provide an exceptional payment experience for everyone involved. 

Thank you for your help and for your attention to this serious matter.